He must’ve been terrified.
“I’m okay. Let the doctor know I’m awake, and we’ll see when I can go home.” His worried expression unnerves me, but he leaves before I can question him further.
A few minutes later, he returns with the doctor. “Hello Ms. Monroe. My name is Dr. Thompson and I’ve been treating you since you came in. Mr. Layton informed me that you were mugged and assaulted.”
Looking to Gabe, he nods once, and I go along with the lie.
“I’m sorry that happened to you. We’ll go over your treatment plan now, and I’ll give you some time to talk about it. You sustained significant injuries during the attack. You have a concussion, a broken nose, a fractured eye socket, three fractured ribs, intense bruising and swelling.” He takes a breath, giving me a moment to absorb his words.
Tears threaten to fall, and I breathe deeply to calm myself. Brian beat the hell out of me, and I can still feel every punch.
How long will it take me to heal? Panic sets in, but one thought brings me solace.
They’re both dead. They can never hurt us again.
“Could you give us a moment?” Gabe’s speaking to the doctor, but his eyes never leave mine. He knows my emotions are all over the place, and Ilove him for taking control of the situation.
Clearing my throat, I decide to get this over with. “No, it’s okay. I can handle it. Please continue, Dr. Thompson.”
Gabe moves closer, his thumb rubbing soothing circles across my wrist.
“I know this is a lot, Ms. Monroe. Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do. You’ll be given medication for the pain and antibiotics for the wounds. The fractures will heal in time, but you must take it easy. Nothing strenuous. We have a small splint on your nose to help with healing. You can ice the bruised and swollen areas of your body as well. I believe you’ll be back to yourself in six to eight weeks. We are going to keep you tonight and re-evaluate you tomorrow morning. If everything looks good, then you can go home.” Sighing deeply, I thank him as he leaves.
Six to eight weeks to heal? I’m going to be miserable.
Telling myself things could be worse, like being dead, I try not to dwell.
Glancing at Gabriel, it’s obvious he knows my question. “I should’ve warned you about the story I told them. We didn’t involve the police when you were kidnapped, so we couldn’t tell the doctor the truth. He did alert the police about the mugging, but all you have to say is you don’t remember anything. They’ll investigate it, find no evidence, and it’ll be over.”
Nodding my head, I agree. “I understand. I hatelying, but I get why we have to.”
“The important thing is it’s over, and they’ll never hurt us again.”
“It’s going to be a long road, but it’s better than not being here at all. Since it’s all over, I’ll make Trevor keep me company while you’re at work.” Gabe hangs his head, and I know something’s wrong. “What is it?”
“I’m sorry, baby. Before they took you, they killed Trevor.” He sits on the side of the bed, holding my hand as the room closes in and I struggle to breathe. “Calm down, angel. I know you cared for him, but you have to calm down.” He strokes my hand, his worried gaze tracking my movements.
“He’s dead? They killed Trevor?” My heart breaks for the man who was my shadow. I barely knew him, but I’d decided once the shit storm blew over, we were going to be fast friends. I’ll never know him now.
Tears stream from my swollen eyes, and my back and ribs throb as I cry for Trevor. I cry for the pain I’m in. I’m crying for the stress this whole thing has put on our relationship. I’m crying for Gabriel.
After losing myself for a little while, my sobs fade, and I focus back on him. “Are you okay, Gabe?”
He looks defeated, but the side of his mouth lifts in a sad smile. “I’m okay, baby. Things have been tough, but as long as I have you, I’m okay.”
“Will you lay with me?” I ask, needing to feel him against me.
Needing to make sure this is real, and not a hallucination while I’m still lying on the cold, concrete floor of that warehouse.
“You’re hurt.” He murmurs, conflicted. I see it on his face. He wants to touch me, but he doesn’t want to hurt me.
Scooting over to make room for him, I wince. My ribs hurt like hell, but I need to feel Gabriel around me. He’s my safe place, and my home.
Once I’m settled and as comfortable as I’m going to get, the door opens and a nurse walks in. “Hi, Ms. Monroe. My name is Rebecca and I’m your nurse. It’s time for your pain medication. Why are you on the side of the bed?” She eyes Gabriel with both curiosity and interest.
“He’s going to lay in this bed with me so I can sleep.” Her eyes widen, shaking her head back and forth.
“Ms. Monroe, that’s against hospital-“
